CITY's yo-yo days are over with Kevin Keegan's men expected to mark their milestone season in the new stadium with at least a top-six finish.

Chairman John Wardle set out his mission statement to M.E.N. Sport when he paid tribute to City's loyal army of fans who he says deserve success.

Wardle, who along with JD Sports business partner, David Makin, owns a third of the club, said today: "I hope we can improve on ninth. It would be nice to finish in the top six.

"As far as I am concerned the days of City being a yo-yo club moving between the divisions are over. There is a sign at Maine Road saying End of an Era, but I hope we are now starting a new era in the Premiership at the City of Manchester Stadium.

"We have a stadium that is second to none. It may not have the largest capacity but it's the best stadium in the country because it's purpose built for football. I hope we will soon be attracting England international matches."

Kitty

With £20m spent on refurbishing the City of Manchester Stadium and up to £3m on updating facilities at the Carrington training HQ, Wardle admits Keegan's transfer kitty has not been as full as the boss expected.

Wardle said: "To be fair he probably hoped we would have more money but fully understands the circumstances.

"The manager is a level headed guy who works within the parameters of his budget. We meet regularly and there are just no problems.

"Touch wood I've never had to say no to any of his suggestions. We always have a look at what is needed for the good of the club.

Bonus

"The manager has taken us from the first division in his first season to ninth in the Premiership with the bonus of European qualification.

"We are going onward and upwards with a very good squad full of international players. You can always improve a squad but we haven't got a bad group of players.

"We have Paulo Wanchope back and the manager has the team playing skilful stylish football. We are not into whacking the ball and hoping for the best."

Asked if the board matched Keegan's ambitions, Wardle said: "Probably not. The directors are going to have to look at the whole structure, review what's going on."